Eugene Peterson says that many pastors fall in love with ecclesiological pornography—fake pictures of church ministry—filtered so ministry becomes a glorified endeavor of glamour. Taking cues from the surrounding culture, we begin to desire something that does not exist. The snapshots we see of the ministry of glamour aren’t real. Upon starting seminary I worked as a…
Does This Need to Have a Title?
Someday I’ll stop blogging. Tomorrow? August 17th, 2036? Maybe. When I first started writing in this space nearly seven years ago I posted something new six days a week. Then I transitioned to five, then three, and now typically two days a week of new posts. Nearly all the bloggers I know who’ve been at this…
A Church For the Community
In days long ago churches were built within neighborhoods, and were placed strategically as a unifying place and focal point for those within a certain community. As cars and mass transportation were introduced our understanding of a neighborhood has expanded greatly, and our church-going habits have changed along with it. Instead of walking to the church…
Two Bands You Should Not Miss Out On
I’ve been on a new music kick lately. Partly because some wonderful albums have been dropped on us the past few months, and partly because I’m one of those people who says that new seasons call for new music. I can think back to specific times growing up, and more than anything else I associate songs…
Do You Need to Feel It to Lead It?
The most common comment I get as a pastor and worship leader is, “I don’t know how you get up in front of people week after week, having something meaningful to say or lead with.” I usually respond in a way that catches people off guard. “Well, I don’t. I can’t.” Yes, it’s true sometimes…
The Pain of Art
20 months ago I shared my deepest, darkest secret to anyone who was willing to read my first published book. I didn’t even hide it on the last page, I placed it front and center in chapter one. From the outset of writing the book I had no intention of sharing anything about my secret.…